Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from 115-111 Game 7 win over Brooklyn Nets

Giannis Antetokounmpo delivers signature showing in Milwaukee Bucks’ Game 7 victory

Last but certainly not least, Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo took ahold of the reins all night long to pilot the Bucks throughout their incredible victory over the Nets last night.

Antetokounmpo’s performance was a masterclass in fighting through pain, adversity and the mental hurdles that are needed to get past such a fearsome foe. And to his credit, Antetokounmpo fought through all of the criticism and concerns over his shot selection, free throw routine and ability to play up to an MVP-level in a playoff setting.

The two-time MVP was nearly automatic whenever he reached the paint and 24 of his 40 points came within the painted area and he was 9-for-11 on shots taken in the restricted area, per NBA.com/stats. Then there was Antetokounmpo hitting a couple of threes, including banking in a triple midway through the third quarter and audibly saying to a laughing Blake Griffin that he will take those threes.

Lastly, there was the free throw shooting that Antetokounmpo has struggled all series. As Nets fans hastily counted down his free throw attempts all throughout the night, the 26-year-old blocked out of the noise and made as many as six straight free throws at one point in the night.

Antetokounmpo finished with 40 points on 15-for-24 shooting (2-for-6 from three, 8-for-14 from the free throw line), 13 rebounds, five assists, three turnovers and a block in over 50 minutes of action.

Like the Bucks as a whole, Antetokounmpo fought through pain and fatigue and put everything on the line with their season on the brink. That makes it all the more sweeter for Antetokounmpo to enjoy the taste of victory after going through such a battle and knowing there is more to work to be done to reach their ultimate goal.

The Milwaukee Bucks will get some hard-earned rest as they await for their next opponent after having reached the Eastern Conference Finals. Stay tuned, Bucks fans, but make sure to celebrate this moment.